1. ALBUM THAT SURPASSED ALL OTHERS
Lewis Capaldi - broken by desire to be heavenly sent. I love it. It got me though some rough times. Such a solid album.
2. ALBUM THAT MADE ME SMILE
Ed Sheeran - ‘-‘ (subtract). A great honest album. 4 songs I have on repeat. Eyes closed, dusty, no strings, and spark. “If we make it through this year, we should celebrate it”
3. MAN I'D LIKE TO BE BEST FRIENDS WITH
It’s still gotta be Scott McEwan from The Candle Thieves. I say it every year.
4. THING YOU'RE MOST SICK OF
Rudeness. And Idiots. And rude idiots.
5. THING I MOST DESIRED BUT DIDN'T GET
A holiday.
6. ALBUM THAT MOST STIRRED MY SOUL
Snow Patrol - Final Straw (20th anniversary). I guess it’s cheating as it’s from 20 years ago, but it’s connected to my soul. 17 year old me didn’t appreciate it fully at the time, But Gary Lightbody’s voice became an anthem of “home” to me. Every time I landed in N. Ireland I would hit play on the airport bus. And I’ll never forget Gary being a beacon of hope every Thursday in lockdown. One of the most humble people I’ve ever had the pleasure or meeting.
7. MOST STYLISH MAN
Lewis Hamilton. Not a massive fan of all his looks but love seeing his outfits every race weekend. The best being the 90’s Brazil football team tracksuit in honor of his love of Brazil and Aryton Senna.
8. FAVOURITE MUSIC VIDEO .
Ed Sheeran - Celestial. I know it’s from 2022 but I only watched it this year. It’s Ed and Pokemon. Two of my favourite loves, and such a heartfelt video.
9. FAVOURITE TELEVISION SHOW
Teen Mom: The Next Chapter. I know it’s car crash drama but I love it.
10. FAVOURITE CHARACTER SINCE E.T.
Ember and wade from Elemental. I can’t pick just one. They go together like they are meant to be. Such an amazing heartfelt poignant movie.
11. COOLEST ROCK STAR
Matt Healy, for having a merch tee that says “LOL ur not Matt Healy” and for Malaysia. Go Matty.
“I don’t see the fucking point… of inviting the 1975 to a country and then telling us who we can have sex with… the outrage against our band for remaining consistent with our pro-LGBTQ stage show which was the most puzzling thing”
12. BEST PROTEST SIGN
“Hate is a DRAG”. Protests in America about states trying to ban drag artists.
13. THE THING THE HUMAN RACE WILL BE ASHAMED OF IN 30 YEARS
I’m gonna go with the cost of living crisis. People hungry, cold and homeless in the UK, when it’s the 5th richest country in the world. The Government should be ashamed of themselves. No one in a “wealthy” country should be needing help to heat their homes, needing food banks or having to choose between feeding themselves or their kids, or choosing between food or heating. Pay a living wage.
14. COOLEST STYLE AND DESIGN ICON
Emily Coxhead. Again. I still love her. She shares both sides of instragram and reality. Keeps it real and gives messages of hope.
15. BEST GIG of 2023.
Darren Hayes - Birmingham Symphony Hall. D was electric that night and I was so happy. I was on cloud 9 all day and night. Happiness is gigs with my girlies.
16. FAVOURITE PICTURE YOU TOOK THIS YEAR.
So many moments. The cats. Ireland. Halloween and Christmas in Nottingham. Concert photos. But I’m gonna go with a special moment. A double rainbow right outside our house.
17. FAVOURITE SINGLE OF 2023.
Scouting for girls - Glow.
I love it. Such a fun, heartfelt song. From a great album ‘The Place we used to meet’.
“And I knew on the night I met ya
When we kissed I could taste forever
But how was I supposed to know
You'd light my world up and make it glow?
You make it glow”
19. BEST NEW ARTIST OF 2023
Richard Walters that supported Darren Hayes on tour. ‘After midnight’ struck such a chord with me. And happy memories of tour.
20. FAVOURITE FILM OF 2023.
Elemental. An amazing funny, colourful and thought provoking film about how Fire and Water fall in love but ‘cannot’ be together. It’s amazing.
21. FAVOURITE INDIE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Still Gotta be ‘The Candle Thieves’. They connect directly to my soul.
I think Glock himself said it best “We very often write lyrics that sit on the bright side of negative”. It’s been a joy to see them headline Stamford and support Darren Hayes this year. Perfection.
22. THING(S) YOU ACCOMPLISHED THIS YEAR.
*asking for help with medication for my crippling anxiety and depression
*recovering from my mental breakdown
*the most amazing counsellor that helped me finally understand me and be kinder to Hayley.
*seeing Darren Hayes tour again!! Forever a pinch me moment.
23. A LESSON YOU LEARNED THIS YEAR.
That it’s ok to rest. You only have a finite amount of energy in the bank. If you take from it, then you have to replenish it.
24. TOP 10 MOST PLAYED SONGS IN 2023
1. Ed Sheeran - eyes closed
2. Lewis Capaldi - how I’m feeling now
3. Lewis Capaldi - burning
4. Lewis Capaldi- Wish you the best
5. Lewis Capaldi - Any kind of life
6. Ed sheeran - No strings
7. Savage garden - crash and burn
8. The 1975 - When we are together
9. Lewis Capaldi- The pretender
10. Ed Sheeran - Spark
25. MOST EXCITING DISCOVERY THIS YEAR
That our kitty minion was ok after his health scares. I love that little kitty with all my heart. He’s my best mate. He’s my comfort and my source of laughter. (And a source of stress but he can’t be good all the time).
26. FAVOURITE MOMENTS OF 2023.
Seeing Lewis Capaldi live.
Darren Hayes tour!!
Castle archdale with my bestie in Ireland.
Our 1st wedding anniversary.
My little sis’ successful surgery.
All the minion cuddles.
Eva finally accepting me and allowing cuddles.
Halloween monsters trail.
Christmas market.
Also: Gigs, Sunsets, photography, gaming, time with friends and my hubby.
27. THING(S) YOU ARE MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO IN 2024
Ireland in Feb.
Bill Bailey with my hubby.
The feeling gigs (x 2).
The killers in London with my partner-in-crime kelly.
Our friends wedding.
Our 2nd wedding anniversary.
Scouting for girls in Lincoln.
Darren Hayes memoir.
saying yes to ADVENTURES!
Here’s to 2024!
Do more of what makes your soul happy. Be ruthless in the pursuit of what sets your soul on fire.
